Our food has numerous protected designations of origin. Vidalia onions must originate from the area around Vidalia, Georgia; Roquefort, from the Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.

Yarn? Not so much.

But we do have certain expectations. Say the term "Donegal tweed," for example, and most people think of robust, crunchy, hard-wearing woolens made in County Donegal, Ireland.

This week let's take a look at a new Donegal yarn called Soft Donegal, still spun in County Donegal in the traditional way, but with one big difference: It's made from super-soft imported Australian Merino wool.

Coming up in Boston
New England knitters take note: FiberCamp Boston is the weekend of January 12-13, with a kick-off on Friday night with Ignite Craft: Boston. The "community-created conference" continues on Saturday and Sunday in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a mix of workshops, tutorials, and demonstrations. Child care will also be available.

In the Forums: Bigger Blankies
What's your favorite yarn for knitting afghans? So far Red Hat, Bernat, Plymouth, and Berroco are getting mentions. What about you?